[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF MAYOR WALTER F. EHRNFELT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr.--devoted family man, accomplished 
community leader, and admired friend and mentor. Mayor Ehrnfelt's 
vision, integrity and love for his community led the City of 
Strongsville through an amazing journey that lasted more than 2 
decades--from a quiet, farming village to a thriving, family-oriented 
suburb--all without compromising the City's rustic charm.
  Mayor Ehrnfelt was born and raised in Strongsville and reflected a 
life-long commitment to his community his entire life. From his 
childhood on, Mayor Ehrnfelt was instilled with a clear focus on 
family, faith and community. His deep work ethic and high level of 
integrity was reinforced daily while he worked as a butcher at the 
family-owned meat stand at Cleveland's West Side Market. Mayor Ehrnfelt 
was content to work in the family business and did not seek elected 
office--it sought him.
  In 1973, Mayor Ehrnfelt's neighbors and friends urged him to run for 
the office of City Council. He ran reluctantly, and won. Just 5 years 
later, Mayor Ehrnfelt was appointed Mayor. In 1979 he won his first 
mayoral race by a landslide, and served as Mayor ever since. He quickly 
became the most popular and beloved Mayor in the history of 
Strongsville, and successfully served as Mayor for 25 years.
  Mayor Ehrnfelt's unwavering integrity, kindness and humble nature 
reflected his character and defined his tenure as Mayor. Yet his gentle 
and humble nature belied his deep intellect, vision and keen business 
savvy. His work is clearly evidenced within the significant growth and 
carefully-planned development of his beloved City. From the smallest to 
the most significant civic endeavor, Mayor Ehrnfelt offered the same 
respect and consideration to everyone involved--regardless of their 
status or political affiliation.
  Titles and accolades did not hold significance for him--care for his 
family and service to community did. Mayor Ehrnfelt was a true leader 
in every sense--a genuine individual whose modesty and strong sense of 
self cast a rare and steady beacon of light across the dark game of 
politics. He consistently disregarded political pressures and kept 
focused on his community--working tirelessly on behalf of Strongsville. 
Mayor Ehrnfelt expected others to do their best--and he brought out the 
best in everyone.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
remembrance of Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt--an exceptional man and caring 
leader whose life profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. His 
passing marks a deep loss for countless who called him friend--
including me. Mayor Ehrnfelt's brilliant and flawless legacy of 
community progress tempered with preservation will be remembered always 
by the people of Strongsville--and far beyond. Moreover, it was the 
power of his kindness, grace, tenacity and heart that uplifted every 
level of the Strongsville community.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Mayor Ehrnfelt's beloved wife, 
Anne; his beloved children, Walter F. III, Susan, Robert and Judy; his 
beloved grandchildren and his beloved great-grandchild. Mayor 
Ehrnfelt's life will serve as an ageless example of leadership, service 
to others and heart--and his legacy will forever resound throughout the 
City of Strongsville and throughout our entire community.

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